Lakes Suspends Rec Director, Assistant Amid Allegations

September 4, 1985|By Alan Cherry, Staff Writer

LAUDERDALE LAKES — Recreation Director Bob Crum, facing 14 charges of using city facilities and materials to run a private business, on Tuesday was suspended for 10 days without pay by the City Council.

Last week, Broward Sheriff`s Office investigators and city officials performed a surprise audit of city supplies and equipment in the recreation offices.

Council members and City Attorney James Brady said they found evidence that Crum had been operating a fishing school through the department. They alleged that Crum used the printing presses and city-owned supplies to promote the business.

City officials also said they found evidence that Assistant Recreation Director Gary Benivegna may have been selling artwork through his office in the recreation building.

Both had been placed on indefinite administrative leave with pay, pending additional investigation. Council members, meeting as the Recreation Committee, took stronger action Tuesday and suspended the pair without pay for 10 days.

The employees have five days to respond.

Crum, a 14-year-employee, earns $29,750 and Benivegna $24,375.

Crum would not comment on the allegations.

Benivegna, 32, said he sells artwork at parties. He said he keeps some of the art in his office so it saves him time if he runs directly to an art party after work.

``I`ve never conducted business selling artwork through my office,`` Benivegna told council members. ``It`s done at night and not done in the day.

Council member Mac Klein recommended Crum be suspended and then fired, but Council member and Recreation Committee Chairman Sam Goldstein disagreed. Goldstein said a firing might violate the city procedure for disciplining employees.

Evidence against the 46-year-old Crum includes fishing school fliers that tell prospective students to call the Recreation Deparment for information.

According to Broward Sheriff`s Office Detective Dean Craft, during the past few days Crum has returned city-owned goods that had been stored at the director`s home.